Deny application for Conditional Use of Dollar General at 3300 S. Jefferson, St. Louis

We, the residents, business owners, and friends of Jefferson Avenue, Cherokee Street, Benton Park, Benton Park West, Marine Villa, and surrounding neighborhoods, OPPOSE the development at 3300 South Jefferson for use as a Dollar General for the following reasons:

-Proposed use: Will be a detriment to the small businesses already in existence along Cherokee Street and South Jefferson Avenue

-Will lower neighboring property values and stagnate potential future development in surrounding community

-Will Not contribute to, enhance, or promote convenience of location; will only cannibalize sales from existing businesses

-Does Not complement neighborhood’s independent, family owned, small businesses character and will have negative im-pact on adjacent uses

-Will establish an environment contrary to residents’ collective desire to create a walkable small business corridor along Jefferson Avenue and Cherokee Street

-Proposed use will have a negative impact on the public health and general welfare of the community by offering low quality, processed food products proven to contribute to obesity, diabetes and general poor health

-Circumvented pre-existing review process, which required gaining community input, discussion, and consensus;instead was fast-tracked against the will of the people